Read Text a and fulfill the tasks which follow. Text a British Economy

A pioneer in the Industrial Revolution, Britain today is fifth in size of its gross domestic product (GDP). In industrial production the heavy industry occupies the leading place. The traditional economic strength of Great Britain has been manufacturing. The manufacturing and service industries, together with construction, account for about 93 per cent of Britain’s GDP, the rest is shared by energy production and agriculture.

Service industry occupies an important place in Britain’s economy. It accounts for about two-thirds of the GDP. More than 70 % of British workers are employed in service industries, the most important of which are finance, insurance, tourism, government, transportation and communication.

In recent years new industries have made serious progress such as aerospace, chemicals, oil, gas, electronics, biotechnology. The traditional old industries such as steel, coal production, shipbuilding, production of textiles have met serious difficulties and declined. Besides the above industries, food, drink, tobacco and paper industries are also developed.

Britain produces steel, motor vehicles, tractors, aircraft, aero-engines, machinery, textiles, chemicals, gas and petroleum, electronic equipment.

Agriculture supplies nearly two-thirds of the country’s food. British agriculture is efficient, for it is based on modern technology and research. Many British farmers practice mixed farming – they specialize both in crops and animals. Britain is self-sufficient in milk, eggs, meat, potatoes and wheat. But it imports butter, cheese, sugar, vegetables and wine. Its imports also include tea and coffee, clothing, metals, petroleum products and textile.

Britain exports aerospace equipment, machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, sophisticated electronic equipment.

The national economy of Great Britain is vitally dependent on foreign trade. With the loss of the colonies the economy has become vulnerable to balance-of-payment problems and trade deficit has become a typical pattern of Britain’s overseas trade. But the trade deficit is often offset by a surplus of the so-called invisible trade, due to earnings of the country from international travel, tourism, freight and financial services.

Post-reading activities

1. Match the words on the left to those on the right. Make 10 word partnerships and translate them into Russian.

1. industrial a. equipment

2. electronic b. farming

3. modern c. products

4. trade d. industry

5. leading e. production

6. invisible f. deficit

7. mixed g. vehicles

8. service h. technology

9. petroleum i. place

10. motor j. trade

2. Find in the text the English equivalents for the following Russian collocations.

1. ведущее место занимает тяжелая промышленность; 2. кроме вышеупомянутых отраслей; 3. на обслуживающую индустрию приходится ²/₃ ВНП; 4. сельское хозяйство эффективно, т.к. оно основано на современной технологии; 5. они специализируются как в выращивании зерновых, так и в разведении скота; 6. Британия полностью обеспечивает себя молоком, яйцами, мясом, картофелем и пшеницей; 7. зависит от внешней торговли; 8. дефицит торгового баланса компенсируется излишком от так называемой невидимой торговли.

3. Choose the best alternative to complete the sentence.

1. British agriculture …nearly two-thirds of the country’s food.

a) accounts b) applies c) supplies d) involves

2. Steel, coal production and shipbuilding … in Britain.

a) declined b) increased c) improved d) advanced

3. Many British farms specialize both in … and animals.

a) milk b) meat c) wool d) crops

4. Service industries, manufacturing and construction … for about 93% of Britain’s GDP.

a) account b) engage c) supply d) provide

5. The trade deficit in Britain is … by a surplus of invisible trade.

a) accounted b) declined c) offset d) supplied